The recommended three-day tour itinerary for Yili, Xinjiang is as follows:
Day 1: Depart from Yining and explore Nalati Grassland
Morning: Depart from Yining and head to Nalati Grassland. It is one of the most famous natural scenic areas in Yili, renowned for its magnificent grassland and abundant natural scenery.
Along the way, you can admire the magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang and feel the wonderful transition from city to wilderness.
Noon: After arriving at Nalati Grassland, purchase tickets to enter the scenic area (ticket price is approximately 95 yuan/person
), Take the scenic area bus to tour the main attractions, such as Aerial Grassland and Swan Lake, and admire the magnificent natural scenery.
Afternoon: Taste the specialty cuisine of Yili at a restaurant near the Nalati Grassland, such as hand-grabbed mutton and cheese.
Evening: You can choose to stay at a locally-themed homestay or hotel to experience the folk culture of the Kazakhs. After dinner, take a walk on the grassland to admire the sunset over the Nalati Grassland, which contrasts beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains, forming a stunning picture.
Day 2: Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge
Morning: Depart from Nalati and head to Sayram Lake. Known as “the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean,” Sayram Lake has sapphire-blue waters, and the surrounding scenery is as beautiful as a painting.
Find a restaurant by the lake to taste local cuisine, such as fresh highland whitefish.
Afternoon: Take a self-drive or walk along Sayram Lake to appreciate the lake and mountain scenery from different angles. Stop and take photos at attractions such as Qinshuitan and Dianjiangtai. The lake water is clear and blue, contrasting beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains.
Late Afternoon: Head to the Guozigou Bridge. This spectacular bridge stretches like a giant dragon across the mountains. From the viewing platform, you can appreciate its full view and feel the perfect fusion of architecture and nature.
Evening: Choose accommodation at a homestay or hotel near Sayram Lake, where you can also enjoy the dazzling starry sky at night.
Day 3: Yining Downtown and Kazanqi Folk Village
Morning: Return to Yining from Sayram Lake and head to Kazanqi Folk Village. Known for its blue wooden carved doors and windows, the streets are lined with hundreds of handicraft workshops and various delicious foods await you to try.
Afternoon: Stroll around Kazanqi Folk Village, visit handicraft workshops, taste authentic local cuisine, and experience the folk culture of Yili.
Late Afternoon: Head to Liuxing Street in Yining downtown for a visit. The unique architectural style and artistic specialty shops here are fascinating and make people reluctant to leave.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the downtown area to conclude your delightful trip to Yili.
This guide combines multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in Yili, Xinjiang, hoping to provide a useful reference for your three-day tour of Yili.